Fusilier Wipf (German: Füsilier Wipf) is a 1938 Swiss drama film directed by Hermann Haller and Leopold Lindtberg and starring Paul Hubschmid, Heinrich Gretler and Robert Trösch. Adapted from Robert FaesiâÂÂs 1917 novella, it follows a hairdresserâÂÂs assistant conscripted during the First World War who matures into a thoughtful and responsible person. The film was one of Praesens-FilmâÂÂs Swiss German productions associated with SwitzerlandâÂÂs geistige Landesverteidigung. It drew 1.25 million admissions in Switzerland, making it one of the countryâÂÂs most successful films of the period.
During the First World War, a young Swiss hairdresserâÂÂs assistant is conscripted into military service during the border occupation and matures into a thoughtful and responsible person. After returning from military service, he changes his life, breaks off his engagement to his masterâÂÂs daughter, and moves to the countryside with a farmerâÂÂs daughter.
The cast includes:
The film was adapted from Robert FaesiâÂÂs 1917 novella Füsilier Wipf. FaesiâÂÂs novella has been described as associated with SwitzerlandâÂÂs geistige Landesverteidigung.
The film drew 1.25 million admissions in Switzerland after its 1938 release, at a time when the country had a population of about 4.2 million. It was also one of the five most successful Swiss films released between 1938 and 1943
On 24 January 1939, Fusilier Wipf was screened in Paris at the Maison de la Chimie for the benefit of Swiss charitable works. Guests then attended a reception at the new Swiss legation hosted by Minister Walter Stucki and his wife.